Instant Analysis: How Isaiah Oliver fits for Falcons defense

The Atlanta Falcons opened up the second day of the draft with Isaiah Oliver, a cornerback out of Colorado.

Oliver may seem like a bit of a surprise at No. 58 overall, but Atlanta needed to improve it’s cornerback depth after the Jalen Collins experiment failed in a big way.

Here’s how Oliver should fit in for Dan Quinn’s defense.

On the field

When the Falcons set out a prototype cornerback, Oliver is the first name that would come up in this year’s class.

He’s fast, long and physical. Oliver also has the football IQ to be very effective in Atlanta’s scheme as an outside corner. His size will be useful against bigger receivers in the NFC South like Michael Thomas and Mike Evans.

Oliver’s weaknesses all seem to be correctable through his technique. With guys like Marquand Manuel on the field to coach him, the Falcons should be able to refine Oliver into the perfect No. 2 cornerback in Quinn’s scheme.

His first role will likely be competing for the third cornerback role early on. Oliver should be able to win the job if they let him play outside against the bigger receivers and let Robert Alford or Desmond Trufant play inside against the slots.

Off the field

Oliver is clean off the field, unlike Collins. The Falcons should love him in the locker room with his team-first attitude and leadership shown in college. Atlanta should love his competitiveness too, but he could get a little tougher.

Why CB Isaiah Oliver instead of DT B.J. Hill or DT Tim Settle?

The Falcons needed someone who could push Brian Poole to the bench in nickel packages. The defensive tackle roles they need could be filled with two mid-round picks. With guys like Hill and Settle on the board still, they could wait another round and still get a good fit at nose tackle.